5 comments about On Photography.

1. if you have a serious interest on photography, this book is a must buy. It keep pushing you on considering the meaning of taking a pic, the relationship between the real world and photography, and many other perspectives related to photography. It provide large amount of examples to support its views. I truly think this book is a bible for every photographer. Even if we enter the digital era of photography, the content of this book isn't out of date and have precious value.
   Regard to the fact that there is no picture in the whole book, I think that is a right choice. Any presented pictures will limit the universality of discussion, rather than realize it.
   Overall, I give five star for this remarkable, historic book.



2. Sonntag's gift for language is explanation enough for why she probably took few pictures and certainly not enough to justify cramming image-making into the worn categories of reproduction, oppression, and escapism. If you've got nonverbal photographic friends all too assured of the purity of their craft, this book should play counterpoint nicely. Otherwise, consider this text another example of theory uncomfortably distanced from the object of its gaze.



3. Sontag's On Photography was published in 1977. It includes six named sections which each tackle a slightly different subject. The sections were published independently as magazine articles years before the monograph was assembled--and this is plainly evident (which is my main 'complaint' about the text). The book does not feel or read like a book. It reads like a collection of six disparate essays that have been lightly edited for packaging as a book. The sections work OK as essays, but they fail somewhat as a monograph. For example, Sontag makes numerous assertions about photography which are stated as fact but not supported by any documentary evidence. While this is acceptable in an essay, in a monograph of this sort one would expect more academic rigor. Finally, each essay was clearly intended as an atomic piece and their collection in the book results in a large amount of re-hash of basic ideas at the start of every new section, as well as a very choppy flow between sections.
   
   The book is dated (which is entirely understandable--but true none-the-less). Sontag makes a single fleeting reference to digital photography as a quirky alternate method of capturing images. The text's discussion on the pervasive nature of cameras assumes the pinnacle of technology to be the Kodak Brownie. While this was arguably once true, photography has been so changed by digital capture and truly pervasive cameras (think cell phones, etc.) that many of the ideas of the text are only partially developed by today's standards. Additionally, Sontag's insistence that photography is the accidental but obvious champion of the Surrealist takeover of the arts is also dated. Sontag's insistence on using 'big' words and complicates sentences to describe simple things is also somewhat irritating; the tone is unmistakably that of 1970s/1980s critical academia.
   
   Having said that, the book occupies a fairly unique niche in the history of thinking about photography. As other reviews have noted, the subject material is (ahem) well focused on the topic and delivers interesting insight into various aspects of photography. It is unfortunate that Sontag did not more-fully edit the source materials into a cohesive text and at least attempt to look forward to a time when technological changes in process and artistic developments in taste could perhaps be different than the norms of the late 1970s.



4. I loved this book! It is so refreshing to read an unpretentious art criticism book. Her views are simple but breathtaking. The fact that one is reading essays about photography, written by someone who is not inside the art world, makes a huge a difference. She is not trying to create the new "it" artisitc concept, she's just speaking as a photography lover and admirer.



5. First this book should not ne taken seriously, it's meant to be just being critical about photography thats all, secondly even though author is American she sounds like European middle age scholar minded critic. Third, she doesn't know about fine art photography in depth, she only criticises and about 20-30 very famous photographers she knows of, she didn't taken into account most (almost all) modern photographers. Most of the time she sounds like a 19. century European painter just lost his job because of rising of photography, but also wants to learn about new technique called photography with a great frustration and misses his old job a lot.. Sontags background about philosophy and sociology didn't help much for a healhty criticsm of photography..
   
   Good try for a criticism of fine art photography, I think every serious fine art photographer should read this book, because it teaches the way how the fine art photography could be criticised in a wrong way, and this book does a damn good job.

5 comments about 2008 Photographer's Market.

1. This book was very informative for photographers hoping to sell some of their work. I would recommend it highly



2. While there's lots of marketing help here, listings for the religious markets are not all inclusive. Hence for one who already is familiar with that field, I didn't pick up much new. Maybe other fields are better covered.



3. Great resource for any photographer who would desire to sell their work. Opened my eyes to a new avenue of income potential. Nice layout that makes since to the reader.



4. This book provides valuable information that helps you get your photo published.
   
   Submission requirements, direct access to photo editors, etc. are very beneficial to the reader.



5. The whole format of this book needs to be updated, maybe include a cd with direct links to website for sections like stock & galleries. More info & participants need to be listed. Personally this book might of had value once but now I can't seem to find any valuable info or leads in it. If it doesn't get a complete redesign any future year will have no value either.

5 comments about Picture This: How Pictures Work.

1. I can't say I'm overly well versed in composition, namely because most books on the subject are so dense. But in Picture This, the author has found easily understandable way to show the basic fundamentals of art.
   
   Rather than teach composition with diagrams drawn over old master paintings like some books, Molly Bang uses simple bits of paper to demonstrate how shape, color and placement can affect the mood of a picture. And once you understand these principles, it's easy to see how they can be applied to more complex artwork.
   
   Bang's pace is very deliberate. Every change to her construction paper compositions is well documented and explained. It's that simplicity and directness that allow her to communicate such a large amount of knowledge in only 96 pages.
   
   And don't let the short page count and the fact that this book is recommended for grade schoolers fool you. This is a book every artist should have her shelf.



2. This book is amazing...the illustrations are simple, clear and compelling and the narrative approach to understanding the art elements and principles makes this rather dry topic into a fascinating tale. I have purchased several copies of this book for friends and plan to use it in my middle school art classroom.



3. Don't be misled by the simple pictures and storybook style into thinking this a just a book for children. I have given this book to several adult friends, including some who are professional artists. We all learned something from Molly Bang's clear and compelling explanations of the principles of visual composition.



4. I love this book and using it for teaching basic design ideas...a fellow teacher uses it in Psychology! The simple story of Little Red Riding Hood serves as the basis for discussion how line, color, shape, etc. work in art. Such a great idea...wish there were others of this type. I will be using it to teach the elements of art in Art History this fall.



5. Using the story of Little Red Riding Hood this book is focusing on the basic principles of composing images.

   Reduced to the maximum and using simple colors and arrangements of basic elements like circles or triangles, the drawings as well as the short, precise text within this book are pointing out, how simple and complex arrangements within pictures work, transfer obvious (and hidden) messages, how philosophy and psychology witin pictures works. Therefor its a book telling the story why pictures may lie, may influence, may manipulate an observer even though obviously just showing "reality".

   Whether you are taking photographs, drawing or designing - this book is a absolute must! A photo/image tells more than thousand words - here you will find the answer how and why. Great to read and watch, easy and fast to understand - even though dealing with a most complex matter.

   Finally a personal statement and hint for an esthetes: if you like to possess a book with an outer shape and appearance that promises, what the contents keeps, than you have to buy the nice hard cover version instead of the cheaper soft cover version - it will pay off for sure.

5 comments about Design Basics Index (Index Series).

1. This book may be fantastic, but I have no idea as the width of the book is too small to properly open the book. Why would a designer approve this book size, makes me question how good he can be. I wished I had saved my money as it is too frustrating to battle out holding the book open to read.



2. This book was mis-listed for one of my classes, but after buying it, I found myself taking it everywhere with me and reading it anytime I had spare time. Every time you look through it, you learn something new. As most artistic people are, I'm very visual, and all the examples really enhance the book and help to cement the ideas and rules. Very colorful, helpful and ultimately FUN TO READ! I love this book and recommend it!!



3. If you bought this book your going to be extremely happy. I have 5+ years in design and I'm learning new things as I go through this book. It's teaching me things my teachers in COLLEGE did not even teach. This is hands down one of the strongest books I've ever read and the exercises inside provide so much great hands on experiments for you to play with.
   
   If you already spent the money to buy The non-designers graphic design book you need to buy this! This goes into so much great detail than I would've expected.
   
   All I can say is WOW. Great investment. I've totally changed the way I look at design.



4. This is the book that was missing in college. So what makes the difference between Wow and O.K. Read it, study it, do the excersizes... follow it. I wish every hobbist in the digital scrapbook world would discover this book.
   
   Jim Krause is one of THE BEST teachers of our time.



5. I had to buy this book for school, but I love the way it's laid out. It's very colorful, very informative, and it's small size with a strong plastic cover makes it easy to take with you everywhere or throw in your purse.
   
   I have learned a lot from this book so far.

5 comments about Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Express 4 (Apple Pro Training).

1. This book has been very helpful as I have embarked into the field of video editing.



2. Not well laid out, erratic unclear not easy at times to follow lessons. Uses F key shortcuts without telling student to disable F key in Sys Prefs, very frustrating and I'm sure a pitfall for some. Why no appendix with listing of commands and shortcuts? Time spent and knowledge retained/gained not balanced. Not truly a text nook but a guide to what can be done. Must say, lessons on DVD well organized, integrated onto application.



3. This is not a first hand review. The Final Cut Express Pro was purchased by me for my husband. He has many, many hours in the can of his first documentary that needs to be edited down to just under 60 minutes. Getting FCEP has made the daunting task of editing his work less stressful by leaps and bounds. Now that editing isn't the nightmare it started out to be, I can tell you for sure I have a very happy man working on the first of many docs to come.



4. I received this book yesterday and so far I've only gotten through the first three chapters. But I have already found a few outdated statements. A few examples:
   1) "HDV video formats record on tape....AVCHD formats, however, record directly onto disks or hard drives." No mention of memory cards or hybrid options.
   2) Lesson Review question (page 30): "What kind of cable do you use to connect your camera to your computer?" Answer: "A FireWire cable."
   No mention of USB; in fact, the entire section in chapter 2 covering connecting the camera to the computer only addresses FireWire.
   3) The book says after launching the first time FCE looks for any FireWire devices and displays an error message if none are found. This didn't happen, at least not in my case, which makes sense since many newer camcorders don't have firewire.
   4) When I opened the first project file (provided on the book's DVD) as instructed, FCE displayed a notice that the file was from an earlier version and asked whether or not to update it. The book doesn't even address this alert, leaving the user to wonder whether or not to select "Yes" or "No" to update the project file. Not updating all the files to version 4 (which they really should have done) is one matter; not even addressing the update prompt is even worse.
   
   None of this is detrimental to my learning experience, however it is evident this is old material merely updated for the 2008 edition, and they missed a few parts during the updating process.
   
   So far the book is VERY basic. I'm a long-time Windows user who just received my first mac about a week ago, and it is simplistic, even for me.
   
   UPDATE: I've progressed through the first 12 chapters, and I'm beginning to realize this book is great for walking (crawling, actually) the user through using the software with the project files included on the book's own DVD, but not so great for real-life applications. For example, I've scanned through the remainder of the book and realized it doesn't eplain how to handle existing video files in different formats (AVI's, for example). FCE can do it, but this book doesn't cover it. I've quit reading the book and started reading the FCE4 User Manual instead. So far, it seems far more applicable to what I need to know; unfortunately, the FCE4 electronic user guide is over 1000 pages long --- more pages than I care to print.
   
   If I could change my rating on this book, I would. It was a waste of money and time. Even for the basic material that is covered, the progression is at a snails pace; it could be much more concise and efficient. Even better, it could cover more useful territory by addressing real-life applications in addition to sterile made-to-order projects.
   
   UPDATE 2:I decided to finish the book and have progressed to the "Appendix", the additional chapters available only on DVD. It is so cumbersome trying to learn this way - read a line, switch to FCE4 to perform the step, re-activate the Preview window to read the next step, reactivate FCD4 to perform it, back and forth, back and forth. See, this is why I actually BOUGHT A BOOK. So I wouldn't have to do this. There are plenty of tutorials on line. I paid money for a book for a reason - to spare myself such inconvenience.
   
   One more thing: The last two chapters used terminology I hadn't seen before (keyframes, for example), with no explanation. However those chapters kept referencing the Appendix. I found explanations for those terms in the Appendix. It seems the Appendix chapters should be completed chronologically before the last chapter, making their absence from the book even more annoying.
   
   P.S. Word to the wise: I sent an email inquiry to the author several days ago. Although I've yet to receive a response (and doubt I ever will), I have begun to receive spam emails from her company.



5. I have enjoyed the lessons up to lesson 6. At that point it brings up F-9, F-10, and F-11 keys. It was not a big deal until this particular lesson. The book was written at the time of the mac OS Tiger operating system. I went to the book site for an update on reprograming these keys but there was nothing there! The lessons may be useless from here on out without information on programing these keys in Leopard!

5 comments about Photoshop CS3 Essential Skills (Photography Essential Skills).

1. I wanted a book that would take me from coarse manipulating images in Photoshop to lifting out the richness of detail. This book does it! Unlike many similar books on Photoshop, there is no padding, no overuse of large images to extend without adding value, this book is to the point. I learned many tricks and valuable techniques.
   
   That said, it can be demanding and sometimes it is too tight. It would have helped if the key steps were relegated each to a single line or a single dot point to reduce risk of missing a step buried many words.
   
   Sometimes too the steps are many such as project 1 beginning page 250 and the background or reason for doing it is not spelled out (what is "Apply Image" and why? page 253). It would help if the introduction to the recipe covered key steps and what will happen with cross references.
   
   It is also not empathetic to the reader. For example page 252 it takes steps to duplicate a blue layer and after a levels adjustment it is called "this mask". What "mask" I ask? Then in step 3 (page 253) it refers to a "layer mask". Is this the copied blue layer or the black and white mask? An explanation of the blue layer copied would have helped and if somehow a mask, please say so.
   
   It is however one of the best reference books and goes highly recommended with a decent index and support CD. Well done Galer and Andrews but again, care with the steps more prominent and a little explanation of what some steps actually do (eg what does "Apply Image" actually do as there is nothing in your book about it and oft used).



2. There were several times where I had to seek alternative sources to have my questions answered about Photoshop. So, I do feel this book could have addressed topics in more detail. If you are a beginner in Photoshop, I don't recommend this book.



3. I have both the photoshop Essential Skills CS2 and CS3 editions and I used both...although there is some repeat from edition to edition there is always some really good and needed info in each of them. I also like the tutorials on the cd. Mark Galer and Philip Andrews write easy to understand, step by step informative books.



4. Good but this book came a little later than the the other even though I ordered them to be posted together. Otherwise very happy.. Thank You.



5. I bought this book because the DVD material sounded promising. However, the book introduces complex concepts but fails to provide explanations that make any sense. Probably my biggest complaint is that the book is absolutely geared towards Mac users - the author comments that "the UI is the same irrespective of the computer platform you are working with." However I was unable to locate several of the menu items that he references and many were in a different location.
   
   I do realize that most digital photographers use the Mac platform, but if you're going to offer yourself up as supporting both platforms, then you need to live up to that, because not ALL photographers use Mac.
   
   I am going to try another book - trying to follow this one is a HUGE waste of time.

No comments about Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques.

5 comments about David Busch's Nikon D60 Guide to Digital SLR Photography.

1. I recently bought the new Nikon D60 prior to travelling overseas. I lost the new manual during this travel. This book is better than the manual since it is written by a user who understands what is important and how to set up for those difficult shots you miss when travelling. Simple to read and good with the basics and also for those who want those special pictures.



2. I looked at other D60 guides, but chose this one. It is very well laid out. David puts everything in an easy to understand context. If there is a particular setting that I am looking for, I can simply turn right to it without flipping through the whole book. This book is great for experienced and beginners with DSLR cameras. If you have a D60, you need this book. Thanks for a great book.



3. This book is an excellent source of detailed information for the amateur and advanced user alike. David speaks directly to you, but in a respectful and easy-to-understand manner that is comforting and makes the guide a pleasure to read. It contains invaluable information that any D60 user can appreciate and use to drastically improve their photographs and take their knowledge of photography to a whole new level. It explains features of the camera that I never knew existed, and instructs you clearly about not only how to use such features, but perhaps more importantly, why and when.
   
   
   A superb guide for any and all Nikon D60 users.



4. I was familiar with Busch's work from his many articles in Popular Photography and other photo magazines, as well as books like Digital SLR Pro Secrets,so I grabbed this huge introduction to photography as soon as it became available. I was not disappointed. His expertise really shows in this huge introduction to photography with the Nikon D60. Virtually everything you need to know about this camera is included between the covers.
   
   The level of detail and clarity of explanations far exceeds that of the traditional camera guide. He devotes 65 pages to a thorough explanation of each control and feature of the D60, and how to use them, illustrated with large color photos. Then, beginners and more advanced photogs alike are treated to 81 pages that clear up the mysteries of the D60's menus, and when to use particular options. There are 40 pages of advice on exposure and advanced shooting with the D60, and 30 wonderful pages describing Nikon lenses and the author's extensive experience with each of them. There's 30 pages of tips on using Nikon's CLS flash system that should be enough for any strobe shooter.
   
   Only 10 pages are devoted to introducing Nikon software, but I wouldn't want more than that, anyway. I'm glad that nearly all of this book directly relates to photography with the D60. Who wants a book padded with general photo advice, software descriptions, etc.? Heck, the 20 page trouble shooting chapter alone was worth the price of the book, as it includes instructions for cleaning the sensor, which I discovered is sometimes required even with a camera that has built in sensor cleaning.
   
   All in all this book showed me why when I want the last word in Nikon expertise, David Busch provides all the answers.



5. I agree with the reviewer who called this book an entirely new approach to camera guidebooks. The tired old formula followed by the other guides simply won't work with a camera that has as many features as the Nikon D60. This one isn't intended as a pocket guide that you tuck away in your camera bag and don't pull out unless you have some emergency to contend with. For anyone who has had their camera for a few weeks, the manual packed in the box by Nikon will serve just as well as a reference.
   
   "David Busch's Nikon D60 Guide to Digital SLR Photography" is not a tiny field guide that re-hashes the Nikon manual. Instead, it's a full sized 325 page book that covers everything you need to know about the camera in a surprising amount of depth. Busch explains each control and menu setting and devotes pages and pages to explaining how and why you'd want to use them. There are plenty of large color photos explaining each topic (some of the small guidebooks have only black and white photos.) While most of the book deals directly with the Nikon D60, its accessories, and advice on how to choose specific Nikon lenses, there is also a good foundation of basic photographic knowledge on using histograms, working with depth of field, and so forth.
   
   Amazingly enough, Busch manages to explore the camera in depth without confusing new photographers. He starts each section at a basic level, and then continues with the more advanced techniques and information you'll need as you grow in your hobby. Although my main camera is a Nikon D300, I absolutely love my D60 as a walkaround camera, and I found this book to be a fast introduction to its features and use. I already understood some of the more advanced material, but I can see where beginners will thrive on the clear, complete explanations. If you own a Nikon D60 or are thinking of buying one, you owe it to yourself to get this book. You can't find this information on the web, and most of it isn't in the other guidebooks, either.

5 comments about Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography.

1. The only disparaging thing I can say about this book is that it caused me to purchase a better dictionary.



2. I am somewhat stunned and dismayed by the negative reviews of this book. In fact, it has seem to elicit a sense of vitriol in some.
   
   It is a brilliant book. How does one state simply such a complicated phenomenon. One doesn't. Those who rated this book so poorly biggest gripe was the complexity of the writing. Well - it is a complex topic. But, I think Barthes beautifully and deftly counters this complexity with his personal reflections. The book is both a critical assessment of photography and an emotional one as well, and this is what makes it so wonderful.
   
   It is not wholly unexpected that most all the negative reviews of this book come late in the day - in the ever increasing time of sound-bites, instant pleasures and generally non-reflective immersion.



3. Sorry to say, although Roland Barthes is an icon to some. This short book is self-indulgent, unintelligible, and therefore useless. The author is far more interested in himself than he is interested in the subject.



4. If you're thinking of reading this hoping for some insight on the creative process of the photographer, don't look to this ponderous, jargon-laden critique of "The Photograph". Barthes readily admits he's not a photographer and his viewpoint is only from side of the observer and the object. Barthes does offer a couple of intriguing ideas: the concepts of "studium" and "punctum," but since he seems to concentrate almost exclusively on photographs of human subjects (portraits and photojournalism), much of those ideas aren't as developed as they should be. Instead, he tries to explain why certain photographs evoke an emotional response (the punctum) in him. Of course, I may have misunderstood his point completely but not for want of trying. His esoteric use of existentialist terms makes it a tough read for those without a substantial education in philosophy. In any case, much of his critique has been overturned and made obsolete by the advent of digital photography (he explains early on that he doesn't have the patience to be a photography because he wants an instant result; there's nothing more instant than a digital photo) and digital photo manipulation (e.g. Photoshop).



5. After reading these last few negative reviews i had to write in about this, one of the most amazing books i have ever read. It is true that this book could be thought of as for the well read and serious academics only, but really, it is a book for anyone wishing to challenge the true nature of photography and its effect on the individual and society as a whole. No, it is not for those who simply wish to sit and idly consume 'pictures;' if this is you then do not bother even picking up this book.
   
   This book attempts to help us navigate the way we consume images, to make it easier to understand just what it is that draws us to them so much, and which for me it did beautifully. Barthes doesn't try to give all the answers, but rather approaches his explanation in a very poetic (not long winded as another reviewer said!)and personal language which gives an intimacy that is very rare in academic texts.
   
   If you truly want to open your eyes to the wider implications of photography then this book is a must (along with Susan Sontag's On Photography)

5 comments about Ansel Adams: 400 Photographs.

1. Great book, prints are of excellent quality. And photos - this is Ansel Adams, the greatest landscape photographer, there is nothing to say!
   
   However, some pages are blank - photos are simply missing (about 10-20 photos). Maybe it is my bad luck and other copies don't have this problem.



2. Fantastic book great representation of the entire span of the photographer's career. I would reccomend this book to anybody interested in photography or just a great coffee table book. Plus it is classy quality hardback that amazon offers at nearly half the price that the ansel adams website is selling it for.



3. Ansel Adams was one of the greatest photographers of his time and had a wonderful "clinical eye" to the world around him. This book catch this in a absolute way. Each photo printed itself is a learning. This book it's a real State of Art.



4. I have most of Ansel Adams' books. This is the least impressive of all. Small horizontal pages with vertical landscapes (sometimes only one 5 x 7 on a page) added up to merchandising, certainly not doing justice to this great photographer. Larger book size and orienting the photographs with the page layout would have been FAR better. We would have had to turn the book 90 degrees to view some of his works, but I would have preferred that.
   The selected photographs are quite good, but Adams' work requires a better presentation than this. Leave this on the shelf and buy multiple other volumes and be far more pleased.



5. This is an excellent representation of Adams work! What sold me was the quality of the photo reproductions. I have several books that display his photography and this one does the best job of showing the details that Adams wanted to show.